Cloud Guide

Alex Holt | The Columbus DispatchSTRATOCUMULUS: "The sunset is highlighting the base of these clouds and indicates clearing to the west," Bradley said. The condition is the origin of the weather adage "red at night, sailors delight."Request to buy this photo

Jonathan Quilter | The Columbus DispatchSTRATUS: These beautifully illuminated clouds are the type that typically produce precipitation, Bradley said.Request to buy this photo

Jonathan Quilter | The Columbus DispatchBUILDING CUMULUS CLOUDS: "They could indicate rain showers on the way if the atmosphere is unstable enough," Kelly said.Request to buy this photo

Alex Holt | The Columbus DispatchSCUD: Bradley called this a classic thunderstorm with heavy rain visible along the scud. "A scud cloud is a ragged, low-hanging cloud, which forms in the outflow beneath a thunderstorm."Request to buy this photo

Alex Holt | The Columbus Dispatch'COLD-AIR FUNNEL': Such funnels look scary but rarely touch down and cause damage, Bradley said. "The atmospheric conditions are different than those conditions that produce typical funnel clouds or tornadoes."Request to buy this photo

Jonathan Quilter | The Columbus DispatchFAIR WEATHER CUMULUS CLOUDS: They are generated by daytime heat and usually dissipate near sunset, Kelly said.Request to buy this photo

Adam Cairns | The Columbus DispatchCUMULUS CONGESTUS: This type of cloud, Kelly said, builds into the vertical cumulonimbus clouds that bring thunderstorms.Request to buy this photo